ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two six-month-old Mexican gray wolf pups have reunited with their troubled pack in southwestern New Mexico, bringing some relief to environmentalists who were concerned about their chances for survival.

Officials with the U.S. Fish and [auth] Wildlife Service say the Fox Mountain pack — including the two pups — was spotted feeding on an elk carcass late last week.

Biologists say it’s not uncommon for pups to start venturing out on their own at this time of year and that the two pups in question will likely return to the pack intermittently before they disperse for good.

The pack’s four wolves all have radio collars and the agency says they will continue to be monitored.

Environmentalists were concerned because the Fish and Wildlife Service had the pack’s alpha female — the pups’ mother — captured and removed from the wild following a string of cattle kills.